Why do women's tattoos and spoon boxes feature in the same book?
As Robert Chenciner, co-author of Tattooed Mountain Women and Spoon Boxes of Daghestan, explained to John Humphreys on BBC Today Programme on Saturday 10 March 2007:
The reason why womens’ tattoos and spoon boxes share a book is given by the book’s subtitle ‘Magic medicine symbols in silk, stone, wood and flesh.’ Both ward off the evil eye, which is the cause of all sorts of misfortune.
The tattoos found mainly on village women (rather than men, excepting some who were ill as young boys) are a mark of initiation often first applied about puberty and the tattoos have magic effects to ensure the health and fertility and prowess (i.e. fleet of foot) of the woman and her family.
The spoon boxes are part of the ritual furniture/ objects that include the hearth, again there to reinforce the well-being and strength of the ‘house’ and family.
The reason why womens’ tattoos and spoon boxes share a book is given by the book’s subtitle ‘Magic medicine symbols in silk, stone, wood and flesh.’ Both ward off the evil eye, which is the cause of all sorts of misfortune.
The tattoos found mainly on village women (rather than men, excepting some who were ill as young boys) are a mark of initiation often first applied about puberty and the tattoos have magic effects to ensure the health and fertility and prowess (i.e. fleet of foot) of the woman and her family.
The spoon boxes are part of the ritual furniture/ objects that include the hearth, again there to reinforce the well-being and strength of the ‘house’ and family.
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